Decorative pillar container

ABSTRACT

A decorative pedestal container has a plastic resin exterior with a variety of sections. A top section can be molded and painted to look like masonry red brick. A middle section can be molded and painted to look like brick, concrete, stone facing or stucco. A bottom section forming the base can be molded and painted to look like masonry brick. The enclosure pedestal device is hollow and has three drain holes located at the base of the pedestal. The pedestal container has an open top closed by the top section that serves as a lid mounted on hinges and with latch mechanism mounted allowing control of the movement of the lid by a dampening closure so that the lid does not slam shut on users to ensure a safe operation of the container.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a decorative pedestal, and more particularly to a pillar-shaped container for use as a cooler housing or a waste receptacle alternately.

B. Description of the Prior Art

In the occasion where a group event is held outdoors among neighbors or friends, it may concern the host to have to place the trashcan where it is conspicuous for everyone to find. However, a thirty or more gallon of household trash can may accumulate ill odors and have an external appearance having less than an appealing design to visitors making it less than a proud item to introduce during a backyard gathering.

Meanwhile, plastic or metal ice buckets or coolers have been widely used at parties in open spaces to dispense beverage cans and bottles. They may be appropriately carried about in travel and camping but lack a formal look for a residential formal gathering. Heretofore, the above two items have been existed irrelative of each other although they are common household staples at events.

Therefore, it is desirable to combine the functions of the trashcan and beverage cooler in an architectural and user-friendly housing design to remove unsightly clutter around the house.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a pedestal container device, which has a plastic resin exterior with a variety of sections. A top lid section can be molded and painted to look like masonry red brick. A middle section can be molded and painted to look like brick, concrete, tile, stone facing or stucco. The decor of all sections can be modified so that they match surrounding architectural features. A bottom section forming the base can be molded and painted to look like masonry brick. The enclosure pedestal device is hollow and has three drain holes located at the base of the pedestal.

The top lid section of the decorative pillar container is mounted on hinges and with latch mechanism. Preferably, latch mechanisms mounted as a pair on the left and right sides of the device provide dampening closure so that the lid does not slam shut on users to ensure a safe operation of the container.

Four corner supports are formed as triangular cross sections to bear the load of a retainer ring and retainer ring base. The four corners supports are secured to the inside walls of the middle section. The retainer ring locks with the retainer ring base retaining a trash bag that fits within the pedestal device. The corners of the retainer ring base rest on the corner supports.

The bottom of the top retainer ring has a plurality of upper engaging members that engage with lower engaging members of the retainer ring base, which provides a support for the retainer ring.

The retainer ring has its upper engaging member protrude as a tab that interlocks with the lower engaging member also formed as protruding tabs in between adjacent lower notches formed circumferentially of an annular wall of the base providing a snug engagement.

The lower notches provide clearance for upper engaging members to pass and then go into a locking engagement under the lower engaging member by rotation of the retainer ring relative to the retainer ring base with the trash bag wedged therebetween.

The base is preferably formed of a strong plastic capable of holding a trash bag fully loaded.

The trash bag may rest on the bottom of the inside of the pedestal container device.

The top lid section can be opened and kept to the proposed angle of slightly greater than 90 degrees from horizontal position, which is vertical position.

In an alternate mode of operation where a party tub is inserted into the cavity of the pedestal container device instead of the retainer ring and base in the trash receptacle mode. The tub has generally round walls and is terminated at its open end with a shoulder having four right-angled corners. The tub has a drain that allows liquid to leave. The drain can be flow regulated by a plug or equivalent mechanical control device. The tub further includes preferably four slots formed as handles. The slot handles are formed each at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the tub and of equal distance and radial symmetry. To place the tub in the container, the tub is held by a couple of slot handles and brought in the cavity of the container so that the four corners rest on the corner supports.

A decorative pillar container according to a second embodiment of the present invention has a top lid section having a rectangular opening in the center and a supplemental top spring lid closing the opening. The lid is spring biased into closed position. The spring lid allows ease of opening. The spring lid cooperates with the heavier top section that also opens on a pivot. The spring lid can be singular or plural in cooperation depending upon the configuration desired.

Also, the spring lid is preferably a thin sheet of stainless steel.

The lid moves from a closed position to an open position when trash is deposited. The top aperture or opening in the top section provides a pathway for trash. The supplemental spring biased lid also provides a convenient route for retrieving drinks out of the alternate mode party tub storing the beverages.

Accordingly, the general object of the present invention is to provide a container for operatively housing trash bag or beverage cooler in a decorative pillar pedestal.

Another object is to provide a simplified means for holding common trash bags in a way to advance the waste control.

Yet another object is to provide a pedestal device, which is safe for household in operation to load and empty trash bags.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a decorative pillar container according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view illustrating a trash bag retainer assembly to hold the trash bag in a working position as it is loaded into the pillar container of FIG. 1 having its lid held open for access to its interior by the hinge and latch mechanism.

FIG. 3 is a bottom view of the retainer ring of FIG. 2 that defines the bag opening in cooperation with the retainer ring base.

FIG. 4 is plan view of the retainer ring base of FIG. 2 to be mated with the retainer ring to hold an open trash bag in the decorative pillar container.

FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 5-5 of FIG. 3 showing one of the rotational latches of the retaining ring.

FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4 showing one of the stationary latches of the retainer ring base.

FIG. 7 is a partial cross-sectional view of the decorative pillar container with its lid held open showing the installed trash bag in the operation mode.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the decorative pillar container of FIG. 1 opened to receive a replacement beverage tub.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8 showing one of the four handle slots formed in the beverage tub.

FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of the decorative pillar container of the present invention having a supplemental top spring-loaded lid.

FIG. 11 is partial cross-sectional view of the decorative pillar container of FIG. 10.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Referring to FIG. 1, the pedestal container device 1 as seen has a plastic resin exterior with a variety of sections. A top section 10 can be molded and painted to look like masonry red brick. A middle section 20 can be molded and painted to have masonry finish such as brick, tile, concrete, stone facing or stucco. Painted designs include but not limited to Lompoc with red brick, Lompoc with used brick, flagstone with red brick, stucco with red brick, all red brick, all used brick and any combinations of thereof. The decor of all sections can be modified so that they match surrounding architectural features. A bottom section 30 forming the base can be molded and painted to look like masonry brick. The enclosure pedestal device is hollow and has three drain holes 40 located at the base of the pedestal.

The pedestal container device 1 as seen in FIG. 2 shows the opening of the lid formed as the top section 10 mounted on hinges 210 and with latch mechanism 220 mounted allowing control of the movement of the lid 10. Preferably, latch mechanisms 220 mounted as a pair on the left and right sides of the device provide dampening closure so that the lid does not slam shut on users to ensure a safe operation of the container 1.

Four corner supports 230 are formed as triangular cross sections to bear the load of a trash bag collar or retainer ring 240 and retainer ring base 250. The four corners supports 230 are secured to the inside walls of the middle section 20. The retainer ring 240 locks with the retainer ring base 250 retaining a trash bag 251 that fits within the pedestal device 1. The corners of the retainer ring base 250 rest on the corner supports 230.

In FIG. 3, the bottom of the top retainer ring 240 can be seen as having a plurality of upper engaging members 310 that engage with lower engaging members 410 of the retainer ring base 250 of FIG. 4, which in a top view shows that the retainer ring base 250 provides a support for the retainer ring 240. Also referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the retainer ring 240 is shown in cross-section to have its upper engaging member 310 protrudes as a tab that interlocks with the lower engaging member 410 also formed as protruding tabs in between adjacent lower notches 420 formed circumferentially of an annular wall 411 of the base 250 providing a snug engagement.

The lower notches 420 provide clearance for upper engaging members 310 to pass and then go into a locking engagement under the lower engaging member 410 by rotation of the retainer ring 240 relative to the retainer ring base 250 with the trash bag 251 wedged in between.

The base 250 is preferably formed of a strong plastic capable of holding a trash bag fully loaded. The trash bag may rest on the bottom of the inside of the pedestal container device.

FIG. 7 shows the opening of the container device 1 to the proposed angle of slightly greater than 90 degrees from horizontal position, which is vertical position. FIG. 7 further shows a cross section of the pedestal container device 1. FIG. 8 shows in an exploded perspective view the device 1 in an alternate mode of operation where a party tub 810 is inserted into the cavity of the pedestal container device 1 instead of the retainer ring 240 and base 250 in the trash receptacle mode. The tub 810 has generally round walls and is terminated at its open end with a shoulder 811 having four right-angled corners 812. FIG. 8 also shows the tub 810 as a plastic watertight container with a drain 820 that allows liquid to leave. The drain 820 can be flow regulated by a plug or equivalent mechanical control device. The tub 810 further includes preferably four slots 830 formed as handles. FIG. 9 shows the slot handle 830 in a cross-section and also shows the rounded ergonomic nature of the slot 830 acting as a handle. The slot handles 830 are formed each at a right angle to the longitudinal axis of the tub 810 and of equal distance and radial symmetry. Having a pair of slots on each of the left and right sides is the best mode. To place the tub 810 in the container 1, the tub 810 is held by a couple of slot handles 830 and brought in the cavity of the container 1 so that the four corners 812 rest on the corner supports 230.

FIG. 10 shows a decorative pillar container 2 according to a second embodiment of the present invention wherein a top lid section 100 has a rectangular opening 101 in the center and a supplemental top spring lid 111 closing the opening 101. The lid 111 is spring biased into closed position as seen in FIG. 10. The spring lid 111 allows ease of opening. The spring lid 111 cooperates with the heavier top section 100 that also opens on a pivot. The spring lid 111 can be singular or plural in cooperation depending upon the configuration desired. Also, the spring lid 111 is preferably a thin sheet of stainless steel.

In FIG. 11, the lid 111 moves from a closed position 112 to an open position 113 when trash is deposited. The top aperture or opening 101 in the top section 100 provides a pathway for trash.

The supplemental spring biased lid 111 also provides a convenient route for retrieving drinks out of the alternate mode party tub 830 storing the beverages. A spring-biased hinge may be use to supply the bias to normally close lid 111.

In operation of the inventive container 1 or 2 in its trash receptacle mode, the open edges of a trash bag, e.g. of a standard 30 to 33 gallon size are folded outwardly over the engaging members 410 of the retainer ring base 250 and then locked positively in place by the top retainer ring 240 rotationally engaging the lower ring base 250 with the trash bag wedged in between. Then, the trash receptacle assembly is loaded into the container 1 past the open top section 10 so that the four corners of the retainer ring base 250 rest on the four corners supports 230. Then, thanks to the hinges 210 and latch mechanism 220, the top lid section 10 can be kept open for the duration of its service or easily opened and closed with the assistance of the dampening feature of the latch mechanism 220. When the trash bag is filled, a simple turning of the retainer ring 240 against the base 250 will release the trash bag, which is free to be emptied.

In the party tub mode, the empty decorative pillar container 1 or 2 receives the beverage tub 810, which is then held in place at the four corner supports 230. The tub 810 is now ready for fill up with ice and drinks, which are beautifully concealed in the decorative pillar until they are accessed with a touch of the top lid section 10. Water level from melt ice over time can be easily controlled through the drain 820 of the tub 801 and the drain holes 40 of the container 1 or 2. The tub 801 can be readily removed for cleaning or emptying the melted ice into gardens. The resin material used to build the pillar container is waterproof and resistant to various elements including sun, snow, wind and rain and the pillar container is rugged enough to withstand outdoor activities so a virtually maintenance-free and prolonged service life is provided.

Therefore, while the presently preferred form of the decorative pillar container has been shown and described, and several modifications thereof discussed, persons skilled in this art will readily appreciate that various additional changes and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit of the invention, as defined and differentiated by the following claims. 

1. A decorative pillar container comprising: a. a main section having four side walls painted externally to simulate masonry finish, an opening at the top free edges of said four sidewalls and an internal cavity including four corners each occupied by an upright support extending from the bottom edges of adjacent two of said four side walls and terminated short of said top free edges defining an upwardly supporting corner face; b. a top lid section extending over said opening of said main section and parts of said side walls and having a top and at least four side surfaces painted externally to simulate masonry finish, said top lid section being hingedly connected along a top free edge of one of said four side walls of said main section; c. a bottom section defining a base of said decorative pillar container and having a predetermined number of drain holes; d. a trash bag retainer consisting of a collar member and a ring member releasably mated with said collar member to wedge an open end of a trash bag between said members, said collar member having outer edges with four corners adapted to be rested on said supporting faces of said corner supports in said pillar container; and e. a beverage tub selective to replace said trash bag retainer to render said pillar container switchable between a waste receptacle mode and beverage cooler and dispenser mode in a social gathering.
 2. The container set forth in claim 1, wherein said ring member is releasably and rotationally mated with said collar member.
 3. The container set forth in claim 1, further comprising extra support members of spring loaded hinges connected to both of said main and top sections.
 4. The container set forth in claim 1, wherein said ring member is releasably and rotationally mated with said collar member and, further comprising extra support members of spring loaded hinges connected to both of said main and top sections.
 5. The container set forth in claim 1, wherein said beverage tub has four handles molded into sidewalls as depressions.
 6. The container set forth in claim 1, wherein said masonry finish comprises stucco.
 7. The container set forth in claim 1, wherein said masonry finish comprises brick.
 8. The container set forth in claim 1, wherein said masonry finish comprises tile.
 9. A decorative pillar container comprising: a. a main section having four side walls painted externally to simulate a finish, an opening at the top free edges of said four sidewalls and an internal cavity including four corners each occupied by an upright support extending from the bottom edges of adjacent two of said four side walls and terminated short of said top free edges defining an upwardly supporting corner face; b. a top lid section extending partially over said opening of said main section and parts of said side walls and having a top opening and at least four side surfaces painted externally to simulate masonry finish, said top lid section being hingedly connected along a top free edge of one of said four side walls of said main section with extra support of spring loaded hinges connected to both of said main and top sections and said top opening being closed by a supplemental lid hingedly connected along a free edge of said top opening with a spring loaded assist for easier access to the interior of said pillar container bypassing the hinged opening of said top lid section; c. a bottom section defining a base of said decorative pillar container and having a predetermined number of drain holes; d. a trash bag retainer consisting of a collar member and a ring member releasably and rotationally mated with said collar member to wedge an open end of a trash bag between said members, said collar member having outer edges with four corners adapted to be rested on said supporting faces of said corner supports in said pillar container.
 10. The container set forth in claim 9, wherein said masonry finish comprises stucco.
 11. The container set forth in claim 9, wherein said masonry finish comprises brick.
 12. The container set forth in claim 9, wherein said masonry finish comprises tile.
 13. A decorative pillar container comprising: a. a main section having four side walls painted externally to simulate a masonry finish, an opening at the top free edges of said four sidewalls and an internal cavity including four corners each occupied by an upright support extending from the bottom edges of adjacent two of said four side walls and terminated short of said top free edges defining an upwardly supporting corner face; b. a top lid section extending partially over said opening of said main section and parts of said side walls and having a top opening and at least four side surfaces painted externally to simulate masonry finish, said top lid section being hingedly connected along a top free edge of one of said four side walls of said main section with extra support of spring loaded hinges connected to both of said main and top sections and said top opening being closed by a supplemental lid hingedly connected along a free edge of said top opening with a spring loaded assist for easier access to the interior of said pillar container bypassing the hinged opening of said top lid section; c. a bottom section defining a base of said decorative pillar container and having a predetermined number of drain holes; d. a beverage tub having outer edges with four corners adapted to be rested on said supporting faces of said corner supports in said pillar container.
 14. The container set forth in claim 13, wherein said beverage tub has four handles molded into sidewalls as depressions.
 15. The container set forth in claim 13, wherein said masonry finish comprises stucco.
 16. The container set forth in claim 13, wherein said masonry finish comprises brick.
 17. The container set forth in claim 13, wherein said masonry finish comprises tile. 